Applications for Gibraltar variant British passports will soon be available online through a new digital passport application service, marking an important step in the modernisation of Gibraltar's passport services.

The new service will make the application process more convenient for the public, allowing applicants to complete and submit their applications digitally and access the service at a time that suits them.

The new service is scheduled to launch in November 2026, although this is still subject to final confirmation. The systems moving forward, will be accessed through the Government of Gibraltar website. It forms part of a wider United Kingdom and His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) programme to modernise passport services across the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories and to move away from legacy, paper-based processes. Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man will be also joining this new system as part of this major initiative.

The new online service will provide a more convenient and streamlined way for applicants to complete their passport application, provide the required information and supporting documentation and pay the applicable passport fee securely online.

The introduction of the service represents a significant modernisation of Gibraltar's passport application process and will bring local arrangements more closely in line with the digital services already used for British passport applications in the United Kingdom.

How will it work?

When this new digital system comes into operation, applicants will be able to access the new passport application service through a dedicated link on the Government of Gibraltar website, which will be connected to the established online system operated by HMPO.

Applicants will be guided through the application process and will be advised of the information and documentation required for their particular application.

The new digital process is designed to reduce the need for paper forms and manual data entry, while providing a more structured and secure application process.

Applicants will also be able to monitor the progress of their application and will receive notification when their passport is ready for collection or has been dispatched, as applicable.

What is changing?

The online application service will become the standard method for Gibraltar residents applying for a Gibraltar variant British passport. This has already been rolled out in the UK and offers a more convenient way for applicants to provide their personal information, upload or provide a digital photograph and submit their application.

Will there be help available?

The Department of Immigration and Home Affairs recognises that the move to an online service represents a significant change for some members of the public.

Support will therefore be available for applicants who require assistance with using the new system when this comes into operation. This is an initial public statement to advise the general public that these digital system changes are happening.

Further details of the support arrangements, including how applicants can obtain assistance, will be published ahead of the launch.

The Department will also work with relevant Government services to ensure that appropriate assistance is available to people who may experience difficulty accessing or completing the online application.

What should I do now?

There is no need to take any action.

Applicants should continue to use the existing passport application process until the new online service becomes available.

A modern passport service for Gibraltar

The move to online passport applications represents an important step in the modernisation of Government services in Gibraltar.

The new system will reduce reliance on paper-based processes, improve the accuracy of information submitted by applicants and provide a more structured application process, whilst allowing applicants to access the service online at a time convenient to them.

The Department of Immigration and Home Affairs will provide further information in due course, as preparations for the launch continue.

Members of the public are encouraged to follow official Government communications for the latest information.

Ends

Notes for editors

The new digital passport application service forms part of a wider programme being implemented by His Majesty's Passport Office to modernise passport application and caseworking systems across the United Kingdom, Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories.

The service will provide Gibraltar applicants with access to an established digital passport application platform operated through HM Passport Office infrastructure.

The new arrangements will replace the existing predominantly paper-based application process and will form part of the wider transition away from legacy passport caseworking systems.

Further operational guidance will be issued by the Department of Immigration and Home Affairs before the launch date.